Columbia Lions vs. Villanova Wildcats Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 6th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The individual known as Wooga is well on his way to becoming a highly regarded player at Villanova.

Fresh off an impressive debut, Wooga Poplar is determined to lead the Wildcats to a second consecutive victory on Wednesday as they face Columbia in a non-conference matchup.

Poplar, a graduate transfer from Miami, put up 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals on Monday as Villanova (1-0) secured a 75-63 win over Lafayette. He shot 8 of 13 from the field and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, leading five of his teammates to score in double digits.

"Wooga Poplar is arguably one of the best shooters we've had here at Villanova," stated head coach Kyle Neptune. "His numbers before joining us and now with us are truly impressive. He's also one of the most talented athletes we've had on our team. He's a fantastic teammate as well."

Other notable performances on Monday came from Enoch Boakye (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Jhamir Brickus (13 points). The pair combined to shoot 9 of 12 from the field, filling in for standout guard Eric Dixon who was serving a one-game suspension.

"We were aware that he would be out, and we needed other players to step up," Neptune commented. "We have a lot of confidence in the rest of our team."

Columbia (1-0) is also coming off a strong start to their season. The Lions were down by 11 points against Loyola Maryland on Monday, but managed to come back and secure an 81-78 overtime victory.

Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa led the team with 24 points, while Kenny Nolan contributed a career-high 19 points for the Ivy League squad.

De La Rosa returns after leading the team in scoring (14.4 points), assists (2.7), and steals (1.6) last season. He made 57 three-pointers in the 2023-24 season, at least 20 more than any of his teammates.

"De La Rosa is a fierce competitor and he always pushes himself," said coach Jim Engles earlier this year. "He never has a bad day."

PREDICTION

Columbia Lions

Villanova Wildcats